The Minneapolis City Council approved a new aggressive solicitation ordinance designed to combat aggressive panhandling at its June 15, 2007 meeting. Aggressive panhandling can pose a public safety problem and diminish the livability of the city. The ordinance puts new restrictions on the times and locations that panhandling (verbal solicitation) is allowed.

The previous Aggressive Solicitation Ordinance made it unlawful to verbally solicit money at any of the following:

In a restroom

At a crosswalk, bus or light rail stop or shelter

On public transit

In a vehicle parked on a public street or alley

In a sidewalk café

In line to be admitted to a government or commercial establishment

The new ordinance adds additional locations and restrictions, making verbal solicitation unlawful at any of the following:

Within 10 feet in any direction from a crosswalk

On any park land, playground or public entertainment venue, including 50 feet of entry or exits

At or within 10 feet of gas station, liquor store, or convenience store property

Within 80 feet in any direction from an ATM or financial institution (previous distance was 20 feet)

Solicitation in a group of two or more

Solicitation after sunset or before sunrise

Mayor R.T. Rybak and the City will soon launch a "Give Real Change" campaign to encourage people to give money not to panhandlers, but to organizations that can create real change in peoples lives. Minneapolis and Hennepin County have also partnered on a new 10-year plan to end homelessness. To find out more, visit the
Homelessness website.